This section contains many of the dashboard warning lights and engine management symbols for BMW E81 E82 E87 E88 1 series. Many of the lights apply to the BMW F20 series 1 and newer 2015 models of the series 1.
On board computers use dashboard warning lights to convey information to the driver of the vehicle as many mechanical and electrical systems are constantly monitored.
Warning lights illuminate in different colours. Vehicle utilities such as external lighting, windscreen washers, heating etc, use blue and green symbols representing a visual aid informing the driver that a utility is active.
Orange / amber warning lights inform the driver that something needs attending soon. This could be an engine service is required soon for example. Red symbols are more serious and often require immediate attention. A critical issue may flash red and also possibly be accompanied by and audible sound.
The dashboard warning lights detailed below for the BMW series 1 models provide the symbol along with an explanation of what the issue is and what action should be taken. Symbols may vary depending of the county of manufacture.
Ignition on / door open warning light
This exclamation mark dashboard warning light illuminates when the ignition has been switched on but a door is open. Ensure all doors are closed and try the ignition again.
Engine Will Not Start WARNING LIGHT
The BMW Series 1 requires that you depress the clutch or the brake pedal before attempting to start the engine.
Low Fuel WARNING LIGHT
The BMW Series 1 low fuel warning light will illuminate briefly to inform you that there is only 8 litres of fuel remaining. when the light remains on, there is a maximum of 50 km of traveling distance remaining of fuel.
Outside Temperature WARNING LIGHT
When the displayed temperature falls to approximately +377/+36, a signal sounds and a warning light illuminates. There is an increased risk of black ice.
Parking Brake Applied WARNING LIGHT
Dashboard symbol for the BMW Series 1 with the exclamation mark applies to European models whilst the symbol containing the ‘P’ is for USA and Canadian models.
Fasten Seat Belt WARNING LIGHT
Dashboard symbol to remind the driver and passengers to fasten their safety belts.
Fog Lights WARNING LIGHT
This dashboard warning light illuminates to inform the drive that the fog lights have been turned on.
Full Beam on Dashboard Symbol
This dashboard symbol illuminates in blue to inform the driver that full / main beam headlights are on. It will also illuminate then headlight flasher is used.
Turn Signals DASHBOARD SYMBOL
The corresponding arrow will illuminate in green depending on which direction the signals are activated. Both arrows will illuminate when hazard lights are activated.
Parking Lights DASHBOARD SYMBOL
This is to inform the driver that the parking lights are still turned on.
Roadside PARKING LIGHTS DASHBOARD SYMBOL
This is to inform the driver that the roadside parking lights are turned on.
Door Open DASHBOARD SYMBOL
This is to inform the driver that one of the vehicle doors are open or not properly closed.
Bonnet and Boot DASHBOARD SYMBOL
This is to inform the driver that either the engine compartment lid (bonnet) or boot (trunk) is open.
Convertible Roof DASHBOARD Warning Light
If this symbol lights up in red, it signifies either that the convertible top is not locked, or that there’s an electronic failure with the locking mechanism. If the symbol lights up in yellow, it signifies that either the cargo area partition is not in its lowermost position, or the vehicle speed is too high for the roof to move, or the convertible drive top has overheated.
Rollover Protection DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT
This symbol will illuminate permanently if the Rollover Protection System has a malfunction. Have vehicle checked at a BMW centre.
Fuel Cap Open DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT
This symbol illuminates on the BMW 1 Series if the fuel cap has not been secured correctly. Cap should be securely closed until you hear an audible click.
Windscreen Washer DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT
The windscreen washer light illuminates when cleaning liquid in the washer reservoir is running low and will soon run out.
Engine Start / Service DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT
This exclamation mark in a triangle symbol will illuminate in red to inform the driver that a service is due. If it illuminates in yellow, it signifies that the engine will start next time the start/stop button is pressed, possibly without the brake or clutch being depressed.
Remote Control Malfunction DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT
This key symbol means there’s a malfunction with the remote control, the car has no Comfort Access. Have the remote control checked else vehicle may not start.
REMOTE CONTROL Battery Flat WARNING LIGHT
This key symbol with a battery means the battery in the remote control has discharged and needs to be replaced.
Belt TENSIONer / Air Bag failure WARNING LIGHT
This is a serious warning symbol as it means the seat belt tensioners or the air bags may have a malfunction. System should be checked immediately. Both symbols illuminate together to signify seat belt tensioner failure. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?
Steering Defect WARNING LIGHT
This dashboard warning light signifies that either active steering is defective or that steering assistance is defective. The BMW 1 Series can still be driven, though steering may be slightly off-centre due to active steering being defective, or steering may be much more difficult that usual due to power steering failure. Speed should be moderated and system checked as soon as possible.
Emergency Request System WARNING LIGHT
The BMW 1 Series SOS light will illuminate when the Emergency Request System has a malfunction. A BMW centre will need to be seen for remedial action.
Engine Malfunction WARNING LIGHT
If this dashboard symbol illuminates in red, you will be unable to continue your journey. Switch off the car and contact a BMW centre. If symbol illuminates in yellow, full engine power will not be available. The 1 Series can still be driven but assistance must be sought soon.
- BMW 1 Series dashboard warning lights Page 1
- BMW 1 Series dashboard warning lights Page 2
- BMW 1 Series dashboard warning lights Page 3
when parked amber battery light comes on bmw116d for a short time then light gos off and also radio
I’m a female and need urgent help pleas
Hi Nomalanga
What’s the problem?
Terry – might be battery ! Does the car have stop start function ! Although car still turns over to start when the battery needs replacing the stop start function seems to be the first thing it affects
PLEASE HELP MY BMW 1SERIES DOES NOT START .I PRESS THE STAR BUTTON AND ALL THE LIGHTS TURNS ON ONLY THAT IT DOES NOT START
I assume by the sounds of it, the engine isn’t cranking, which points to an electrical issue. The easiest place to start is with the battery. There may be enough power in it to activate lights, but not enough to power the starter motor. Battery problems is the most common issue. Check battery charge and ensure terminals are corrosion free and properly connected. If it is the battery, check that your alternator is working properly to charge it and if the battery is old, might be worth hooking up a new one. If the battery is fine, then it may be the starter motor. A clicking or buzzing sound may indicate the starter motor is not working (provided that the battery is sufficiently charged). Sometimes giving it a gentle knock can be a temporary fix to get it to crank. Also check your fuses. Those are generally the things that you can check yourself.
Please help my BMW 1series is showing yellow engine malfunction light and after a while it goes off again. Does it mean the engine is bad?
Hi Chinedu,
No, it doesn’t mean the entire engine is bad, it means there’s a component inside the engine (or elsewhere) that’s not working properly. There are many components that when malfunction can trigger the engine warning light. When the engine light is triggered, a fault code is usually generated and stored. What you’ll need to do is have diagnostics. A diagnostic tool is plugged into your BMW’s diagnostic port, the tool then scans for fault codes. These fault codes then help to determine where the problem is. That’s the best way forward. Most vehicle repair workshops have diagnostic equipment. You can keep driving with the engine light on, but the problem may worsen the longer you leave it. If the engine light flashes, you’ll need to get it sorted immediately.